Fundraising for the Band

           

Raising Funds for the Band By Mr. R. Gunning

The band program at Whitmire Community School has been busy all year raising funds for their trip in April.  “The band is traveling to Atlanta, GA, to participate in a national Concert Band competition,” explains Robert Gunning, band director.  “We have sold fruit, supplied concessions at the home basketball games, had two Bowl-a-thons, and are gearing up for a yard sale and a pancake breakfast”

            The band will be traveling to Atlanta on April 1-3 to participate in the Southern Star Music Festival.  This nationally recognized competition will provide a critical review of the band’s performance, as well as festival and competition ratings.  Additionally, the band will have some time on a tour of CNN Television Studios, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, Dinner at Hard Rock Café, and an afternoon at Six Flags Over Georgia theme park.  In all, the band members and parents need to raise approximately $12,000.00.

            “We had our second Bowl-a-thon on Saturday,” Gunning adds.  “Thanks to pledges and donations, eleven band members made over $550.00 on Saturday to help pay for their trip.

            Former Whitmire school teacher, band parent, grandparent, and supporter of the program, Fannie Hunter, owner/operator of Hunter Funeral Home in Whitmire, approached Mr. Gunning one afternoon at the school.  “I just wanted to do something to help make some money for the band members,” tells Mrs. Hunter.  “Our band is just so good, and we need to support them any way we can.”

            That’s when Mrs. Hunter came up with the idea of having a yard sale.  First the date and time were set, Saturday, March 12, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Then Mrs. Hunter asked Piggly Wiggly if we could hold the yard sale in front of their store, at which they agreed.  “Now we need donations of items we can sell,” suggests Hunter.  Items to be donated for the yard sale can be dropped off at Hunter Funeral Home, or the WCS band room prior to March 12, or just bring them to the sale on Saturday.

            The WCS Band Booster Club will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning, March 19, at Big Willie’s Grill on

Main Street

.  Plates will cost $6.00 each, and tickets will go on sale soon.  Orders can be eaten at the restaurant or made available to go.

            The band would like to express its appreciation for all the support they have already received.